How to Refresh Philly Soft Pretzels

By Martin Woodfield

A crisp crust and moist, fluffy center are almost universally beloved aspects of freshly baked bread. As bread ages, however, the outer crust let out much of the moisture within, causing it to dry out and become stale. To refresh a bread-based item like a Philly Soft Pretzel, it is necessary to reintegrate moisture back into it, while also keeping it from getting soggy. To perform this task, you may use a microwave or conventional oven.

Things You'll Need

Aluminum foil

Microwave

Wet a paper towel to the point that it is damp, but not dripping.

Set the Philly Soft Pretzel on a microwave-safe plate and drape the damp paper towel over it.

Place the plate into the microwave and microwave on high for 30 seconds.

Stop the microwave after 15 second and check on the pretzel. Heating effectiveness varies from microwave to microwave, so it is a good idea to evaluate the heating process midway though. If the pretzel is heated and re-hydrated to your liking take it out. If it is not, return it to the microwave for the remaining time.

Let the pretzel cool for a minute, then enjoy as if it were fresh.

Conventional Oven

Preheat over to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dress the Philly Soft Pretzel slightly with water. The pretzel will soak up the water, so be careful not not add it to quickly. You want outer area of the pretzel to be moist, but not soggy.

Wrap the pretzel with aluminum foil, then slide it into your preheated oven for five minutes. If you prefer a crispier outer crust, set the pretzel directly onto a mid-level oven rack without the aluminum foil.

Pull the pretzel out after five minutes. If it is heated to your desired level, take it out and let it cool a minute before eating. If you would like it to cook through a bit more, place it back into the oven for another minute, then check it again. Repeat as needed to meet your specifications.

Unwrap the pretzel, let it cool for a minute, then enjoy as if it were fresh.